When the Linfield men graduated their top three scorers last season, someone needed to step up and grab the torch to lead the two-time defending Northwest Conference regular-season champions. That someone was Trey Bryant.
 
Bryant had a stellar freshman campaign for Linfield but was denied a spot on the all-conference team. With big shoes to fill in his second year for the Wildcats, the sophomore made the leap on his way to being named a First Team selection to the 2022-23 All-NWC Men's Basketball Team, released Tuesday.
 
The Springfield product knocked down 45.5 percent of his shots, ranking fourth in the NWC in scoring with 15.2 points per game while also ranking second with 6.8 rebounds per game. His 4.9 assists and 2.2 steals per game also finished in the top three of the conference rankings.
 
Bryant scored in double figures 21 times in 25 games and put up 20 or more points on seven occasions. He registered six double-doubles, including his second career triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 12 assists against Willamette on Jan. 3.
 
Although the 'Cats couldn't secure a spot in the NWC Tournament, Bryant finished the season strong with a career-high 30 points to go with 10 rebounds and six assists on the road against top-seeded Whitman on Feb. 18. He reached another milestone in a 15-rebound performance at Willamette on Jan. 31.
 
Whitman's Xzavier Lino was named the NWC Player of the Year while the Blues' John Lamanna reeled in his first NWC Coach of the Year award. Dezman Baker of Puget Sound earned Rookie of the Year honors.